How to call with private number in South Africa is a question more people ask than you’d expect. Whether for privacy, business discretion, or just avoiding callbacks, hiding your number has become a tool in daily communication. While some believe it’s only possible through advanced tech tricks or complex app setups, the truth is far simpler.
South Africa’s mobile network operators all provide easy, legal methods to conceal your number—temporarily or permanently. And in this guide, we’ll walk through every method, every option, and every carrier. No fluff. Just a complete breakdown of what works and what doesn’t.
Why People Hide Their Numbers
How to call with private number in South Africa and why it matters
Before diving into the mechanics, let’s explore why someone would want to call privately in the first place:
- Security concerns: Avoid exposing your personal number to unknown recipients.
- Business reasons: Cold calling, client outreach, or professional boundaries.
- Testing or surveying: Market research often requires anonymity.
- Avoiding harassment: Reducing risk of unwanted follow-up communication.
- Discretion: In legal, journalistic, or political circles, privacy is often non-negotiable.
No matter the reason, the method is the same—hide the caller ID using available tools.
*Quick Answer: The 67 Trick
The most common way to hide your number in South Africa is to dial #31# before the number you’re calling.
Example:#31#0831234567
This temporarily blocks your number for that call only. It works across Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, and Cell C.
No setup. No app. Just dial and go.
Permanent Caller ID Blocking (Per Device)
For those who want to always hide their number without entering a code every time, here’s how to do it from your phone:
On Android:
- Open the Phone app
- Tap the three dots (menu)
- Go to Settings > Calling accounts > Additional settings
- Tap Caller ID
- Select Hide number
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Phone
- Select Show My Caller ID
- Toggle it off
Now, every call you make will appear as Private Number or No Caller ID.
Network-Specific Options
Let’s break it down by South Africa’s top mobile networks:
Vodacom
- Code for single private call:
#31# - For permanent block: Use device settings
- Vodacom doesn’t offer a USSD setting to block all outgoing calls
MTN
- Code for one-time use:
#31# - No long-term USSD option
- Use phone settings for always-on private calling
Cell C
- Same as above:
#31#for one-time blocking - No subscription needed
- Can be reversed by simply not dialing the prefix
Telkom Mobile
#31#still works- Permanent hide must be enabled through device settings
- No extra charges apply for private number dialing
All networks treat #31# as the universal prefix to block your caller ID on a per-call basis.
Can You Block Caller ID via SIM Settings?
No. SIM cards themselves do not store or control caller ID settings. These are managed either through:
- Your device’s software
- USSD dialing codes
- Network-level service settings
Any app or SIM setting claiming to hide your number is either outdated or misleading.
Calling from Landlines
You can block your number on a landline too:
- Dial 31 before the number if you’re using a Telkom landline.
- For Telkom Business lines, request a permanent block by contacting their customer service.
Note: Some older exchanges may not support this functionality. Always test it first.
International Calls With Hidden Number
If you’re calling outside of South Africa, hiding your number still works:
- Example: Calling the UK with hidden number
Dial:#31#0044xxxxxxxxxx
But remember, not all international carriers accept hidden numbers. In some countries, your call may be blocked or automatically declined if it’s anonymous.
Using Apps to Call Privately
If you want more control, several apps let you make anonymous calls:
- Truecaller Dialer
- Google Voice (with masking options)
- Burner (paid)
- Hushed
- Skype (via settings)
However, these require setup, login, and often data or credit. They’re useful for international private calling but overkill for basic South African use.
When Private Numbers Don’t Work
Sometimes, private numbers get blocked outright:
- Blocked by recipient: Some users auto-reject anonymous calls
- Blocked by corporate switchboards: Many business systems reject hidden numbers
- Ignored due to suspicion: People don’t trust calls with no ID
Bottom line? Use private calls responsibly. If your goal is credibility or conversion, consider not hiding.
Reverse of Private Calling: Blocking Hidden Calls
Want to block calls from private numbers?
- MTN: Dial
*133*1#and activate anonymous call blocking - Telkom & Vodacom: Use third-party apps like Hiya or Truecaller
- Cell C: Limited direct options—consider mobile app solutions
Legal Considerations in South Africa
Hiding your number is legal, but how you use it isn’t.
- Harassment, fraud, or spam using hidden numbers is illegal
- Companies making marketing calls are legally required to display numbers
- Repeated private calls to the same person may be treated as malicious
Use it smartly. Don’t misuse the tool.
When You Should Avoid Calling Privately
- Job interviews
- Customer service
- Bank or official engagements
- Sales and marketing
- Medical appointments
These scenarios require trust. Hiding your number works against you.
Who Can Still See Your Number?
Some organizations or individuals can still trace a private number:
- Emergency services (112, 10111)
- Law enforcement (with warrant)
- Network providers (always logged internally)
- Some call recording systems (PBX and business systems)
So, while your number is hidden from the recipient, it’s not anonymous to the network.
Quick Recap Table
| Method | Code/Steps | Works on |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary hide | Dial #31# before number | All networks |
| Android permanent hide | Settings > Caller ID | All Android phones |
| iPhone permanent hide | Settings > Phone > Toggle | All iPhones |
| Landline hide | Dial *31* before number | Telkom lines |
| App-based hiding | Use Hushed, Skype, etc. | Global use cases |
Best Practices for Using Private Numbers
- Inform the recipient ahead of time when appropriate
- Test the method before making an important call
- Don’t rely on it for emergency use
- Avoid spamming or multi-calling anonymously
- Log your own calls if you’ll need to track them
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Conclusion: How to Call With Private Number in South Africa
How to call with private number in South Africa is simpler than most people think. With just a short code or a quick settings change, your number can be hidden on any major network. Whether it’s for security, privacy, or strategy, it’s a useful tool—as long as it’s used responsibly.
Just remember: while your caller ID might be hidden, your intent shouldn’t be. Use privacy to protect, not deceive. And for those asking how to call with private number in South Africa, now you know exactly how to do it—no apps, no drama, just dial and go.
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